Planters rolled almost continuously last week as farmers took another substantial step forward in the spring planting season. According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, dry weather and warmer temps led to an average of 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, May 7. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Over the last week, farmers made significant planting progress before late-week thunderstorms brought much-needed moisture along with unwanted hail and high winds. Rain chances continue this week, but weather outlooks through mid-May are shifting towards warmer temperatures and somewhat drier conditions.” Approximately 70 percent of the expected corn crop has been planted, 12 days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the five-year average. Six percent of the corn crop has emerged, six days ahead of last year but a day behind average. Soybean planting advanced to 49 percent complete, 11 days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the norm. Topsoil moisture conditions rated six percent very short, 27 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated eight percent very short, 33 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
